Add The New York Post on Google WASHINGTON — Any immigrant legally in the United States on a work visa would have to depart the country immediately if they lose or quit their job under a new rule being proposed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The proposal would eliminate the 60-day grace period foreign workers receive when they become unemployed — allowing them to stay in the US to find more work.
Instead, the loss of employment would mean an immediate loss in legal status.
“This proposal restores a direct relationship between an alien’s nonimmigrant status and the specific employment or activity that formed the basis of his or her admission” into the country, the department writes in its proposal.
President Trump has worked to cut down on the number of migrants in the US and to boost American workers ZUMAPRESS.com The rule would affect migrants from around the world on a variety of visas, including skilled workers on H-1B visas.
The planned rule change, published in the Federal Register on Thursday, could be a blow to tech companies that rely on foreign workers, making it more risky for immigrant workers who come to the US.
The notice acknowledges the effect the change could have on businesses but adds that “DHS assumes that almost all these entities would offer the same jobs to equally qualified US workers.”
The Trump administration has pushed to bring down the number of immigrants workers in the US — in an attempt to boost American workers.
President Trump signed a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order early in his administration to encourage higher wages and employment numbers for American workers.
The 60-day grace period for migrant workers — which started in 2017 — is meant to give such workers time to find another job or get their affairs in order before leaving the country.
DHS argues eliminating that time period would “reduce the administrative burden” on the department.
A variety of visa holders would be impacted, according to the rule. That includes the H-1B visas, which many workers from India and China use to find employment in the U.S.
Ranking the top companies by H-1B visas issued in 2024 Getty Images H-1B1 skilled worker visas for citizens from Singapore and Chile, along with E-3 specialty worker visa holders from Australia, would be impacted, as well.
Creatives — particularly those in fields where jobs can be on a contract basis and more fluid — also will be impacted. The rule applies to holders of O-1 visas for people “with an extraordinary ability” in science, sports or the arts.
Workers on TN visas, which grants work status to qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals and was negotiated under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, are also impacted.
Other visas impacted include E-1 international trader visa holders; E-2 commercial vehicle operator visa holders; and L-1 short-term work for executives or managers with international companies.
The proposed rule is subject to a two-month public comment period before it can be enacted into law.
